BBC School Report - mixed feelings...(and a missed interview with Chris Chalkley of PRSC)

Reflecting back on last term, it was definitely one that was dominated by the BBC. I ran BBC School Report for the first time at Fairfield. Not sure whether it was me and the way I work but I didnt finish this project feeling great...

Firstly, it may be that I was over ambitious, involving over 50 students? I attended all the training and read through all the content and lessons plans online but in the end it was extremely stressful. I found the training experience rather hectic (and shall I say patronising?) ran by an ex- Science teacher who bombarded us current teachers with a mass of promo materal and the launched us into a activity that was meant to mirror what we could do on the big BBC day. I always think it is useful to be reflective as a teacher and sometimes taking a step back and placing you in the position of student is useful. However, it being 2 days before the Christmas holidays, the 'twilight' BBC training was exhausting and...

Lesson plans: we were assured that barely any extra planning needed to be done and all resources were online. Now these lessons were dry and I found I had to make constant changes and omissions to keep my students engagaed. Though these plans were some of the better ones I have seen attached to an educational project they need some tweeking.

Anyway, the big day was hindered by a few setbacks. Firstly, namely, Chris Chalkley.Yes, THE, Chris Chalkley of PRSC (People's Republic of Stoke's Croft). After a guarded but polite conversation the famous Bristolian figure agreed that he could be interviewed by our year 8 students for their school report. What a scoop! Manically, we managed to get the kids into the school minibus, rush down to Stokes Croft for what we thought would be a resounding interview. Did he turn up? Did he answer his phone? Unfortunately, no.

I hope all was OK as I know Mr. Chalkley had a court case the next day regarding his charges being brought by Bristol Council of criminal damage. However, left stood in Stokes Croft (and yes, the art is great but it is still a rather dodgy area) were poor 4 eager students and my dear colleague Sarah Barker. I hope the reason for the missed interview is Mr. Chalkley was too busy getting ready for court to defend his right of artistic expression. I wish him all the best, for no matter what is said about his 'art' and ideas, they certainly bring colour and attention to this unusual part of Bristol.

Another big problem was the ongoing issue between Mac and PC. We are PC based at Fairfield (as are many Bristol schools) and have amazing facilities. Students had collected over 2 weeks of footage for the main stories and we got these organised on an external hard drive ready to take up to the Orchard CLC. The whole point of going to this great facility for the day is because of its excellent staff and open plan environment coupled with state of the art technology/fun stuff (green screens!). But was out footage compatible? No. The staff there spent 3 hours trying to add this to their network and by then we were completely behind the BBC deadline. Penny and Sarah at the CLC are marvellous and I hope to work with them again but this was totally (and bitterly so for the students) disapointing as we didnt managed to finish it on time and go 'live' with the BBC...

Next year, PC only for me and 10 students max!